What's happened
Bookloop, a new book buy-back service by Bookshop.org, allows UK customers to exchange pre-owned books for store credit. This initiative aims to support independent booksellers and authors while promoting sustainability, providing an ethical alternative to Amazon's resale market.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Bookloop allows readers to exchange books for credit, benefiting both authors and indie bookstores. Nicole Vanderbilt, Managing Director of Bookshop.org UK, emphasized the initiative's ethical stance, stating, 'This will still bring a benefit to independent booksellers.' The Ecologist highlighted that the service is powered by Zeercle, which aims to promote sustainability in retail. Eric Gagnaire, co-founder of Zeercle, noted, 'By giving books a second life, we are not only reducing waste but also fostering a community of readers.' The Guardian pointed out that while the initiative is promising, some second-hand booksellers expressed doubts about the resale potential, with Patrick Kelly stating, 'Of all the secondhand books we are offered less than 50% are worth purchasing.'
How we got here
Bookshop.org, launched in 2020 as an ethical alternative to Amazon, has now introduced Bookloop to facilitate the exchange of used books for credit. This move is part of a broader trend towards sustainability and support for independent bookstores.
Common question
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What is Bookloop and how does it support sustainable reading?
Bookloop is a new initiative by Bookshop.org that allows readers to exchange pre-owned books for store credit, promoting sustainability and supporting independent booksellers. This page explores how Bookloop works, its benefits, and how it compares to other resale markets.
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